THE Edinburgh club issued a desperate plea for funds yesterday and have been heartened by the response from their fans.

HEARTS have reported an "encouraging response" from supporters following their plea for emergency backing.

The board yesterday warned that the club's home game against St Mirren on November 17 could be their last after being presented with a winding-up order over a £450,000 tax bill.

In a desperate plea on their official website the club urged fans to buy tickets for upcoming home games and subscribe to a £1.79million share issue. They have now reported that the ticket centre and online store were doing "brisk business".

In a statement on heartsfc.co.uk director Sergejus Fedotovas said: "It was not easy for the board to write that statement yesterday but we find ourselves in a very difficult situation at the moment.

"This is a very tough period for Heart of Midlothian FC and we need the fans to back the club as much as they can.

"The demand for the tickets for St Mirren has picked up and the priority is to sell this game out as well as Celtic and Aberdeen.

"There has also been a lot of business done in the shares department, which again is great to see.

"But make no mistake, these are extremely tough times for everyone associated with this famous football club and only with the help of the supporters, the lifeblood of the club, will we be able to come through them."

Meanwhile local politicians Marco Biagi and Margo MacDonald issued a statement asking Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to "give the club breathing space in order to address the financial situation".

Independent Lothians MSP MacDonald added: "I remember when the existence of Hibs was at risk, at that time to a hostile takeover.

"When I chaired the Hands Off Hibs rally in the Usher Hall a representative group of Hearts fans were there to show solidarity with us.

"They knew and I know that the capital needs its two big teams so I am repaying the favour."

Biagi, an SNP MSP for Edinburgh Central, said: "Last year at the cup victory parade you couldn't move for crowds of supporters in Gorgie.

"There can be no question that Hearts are held in deep affection in the local community and far beyond."